The RSPCA is appealing for information after a number of cats and pigeons have been shot in the same area of Northampton.
The animal welfare charity received a call a couple of weeks ago about a much-loved pet cat which had been found with a pellet wound in her back in Wheatfield Road, Northampton on Thursday 27 August.
The one-year old female grey cat, Eve, was rushed to the vets for care. There are also reports of other cats, pigeons and rabbits being shot in the same area. 
Inspector Callum Isitt is now investigating and said: “Sadly, this is the second cat to be shot with an airgun in this area but thankfully both cats have recovered. There are also further concerns that a number of pigeons have been shot, as well as pet rabbits.
“The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with information about these incidents to please contact the inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018. There is no excuse to cause such awful injuries to a defenceless animal. The RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate such cases every year and sadly cats and wildlife are usually the animals most often affected.
“We are calling for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.
“These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering and it is illegal. Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.”
Callum added: “We believe air gun misuse is happening on a large scale and what we see at the RSPCA could be the tip of the iceberg, and stricter controls are long overdue.”
